Ask a Laser Tech: The Weirdest, Wildest, and Most Memorable Tattoos We've Removed

Tattoo removal isn’t always serious business. At Reth-Ink, we’ve seen it all — from the hilariously unhinged to the heartbreakingly unforgettable. While we always treat our clients with privacy and respect, we do have stories.

So, we asked our laser techs:

What are the weirdest, wildest, and most memorable tattoos you’ve ever removed?

Spoiler alert: it’s not always misspelled names or exes (though there’s plenty of that, too).

🧠 1. “The vagina princess leia virgin mary”

One client literally has a FULL back piece of Star Wars - sounds iconic, well she started it at 17, and outgrew it but also.... our Virgin Mary Princess literally looked like vagina lips, like it was a lot.... oh and the tramp stamp "you're my only hope" 10/10 for the chaos

Why it stood out: Huge tattoo that looked like a GIANT pussy

Removal status: Mostly covered up at this point, had 2-3 sessions all over and lightened ENOUGH that her and her artist were comfortable going ahead with the cover up (see video for progress)

😳 2. “My Therapist’s Name”

Yes. A client had their actual therapist’s first name tattooed on their ribs. “It was part of their healing journey, but eventually it felt like emotional baggage,” the tech says.

Why it stood out: Emotional complexity + professional boundary blur.

Removal status: Mostly faded — with a whole lot of catharsis.

💀 3. “Stick and Poke Gone So, So Wrong”

We’ve seen dozens of DIY tattoos, but one client had attempted a full chest piece using sewing needles and pen ink. “It was more scar than tattoo. They said it was a ‘quarantine project.’”

Why it stood out: Pandemic DIY + visible scarring + full coverage attempt.

Removal status: Ongoing — we’re working slowly due to skin damage.

❤️‍🔥 4. “Exes, Everywhere”

We don’t judge — but one client had five different names tattooed across various body parts. “They said each one ‘seemed like the one’ at the time.”

Why it stood out: Commitment, literally.

Removal status: Three names fully gone. Two still pending (and one possibly coming back).

🕊️ 5. “A Gang Symbol They Didn’t Choose”

Not all memorable tattoos are funny. One of our most impactful cases was a young client who was forcibly tattooed with a gang symbol at age 13. “They were scared to wear short sleeves. Removal changed everything for them.”

Why it stood out: Trauma, survival, and resilience.

Removal status: Full removal — and a whole new beginning.

🎯 What Makes a Tattoo Memorable?

It’s not just the content. Sometimes it’s the story, the healing behind it, or the moment a client realizes they’re taking control of their body again. That’s the real reason we do what we do.

⚡ Want Your Own Clean Slate?

Whether your tattoo is funny, messy, emotional, or all three — we’re here to help. At Reth-Ink, we offer:

• Free laser removal for hate, prison, gang, and trafficking tattoos

• Safe, picosecond laser technology

• Care for all skin tones

• Judgment-free consultations

Ready to say goodbye to your past ink? Book your free consultation here. You bring the story. We’ll handle the laser.